Let's Take This Outside

Marlis Butcher is an environmental conservationist, author, and photographer. She is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and of The Explorers Club, an international organization promoting field exploration. Marlis is the first visitor to have “bagged” (visited) all 48 of the Canadian national parks, a third of which do not have road access. Her photographs and articles have been published in: • Canadian Geographic Magazine, • Explore magazine, • The Explorers Club’s “Far Afield” magazine, • CBC News on-line, • CTV News on-line, • Canadian Encyclopedia, and • the travel brochures of various wilderness outfitters and travel bloggers. Her book “Park Bagger - Adventures in the Canadian National Parks” made Amazon’s “best seller” August 2022. The movie “Park 33,” a short thriller, was inspired by her adventures.  Marlis volunteers as a director on the board of the Royal Botanical Gardens, and has served on the board of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, protecting the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Marlis is also an Ambassador for Canadian Geographic Adventures, “Making Canada better know to Canadians and the rest of the world”. Upcoming book: The Ladies’ Guide to Backpacking (Secrets Men Didn’t Tell You, And Don’t Even Know About) Women have been backpacking, carrying heavy overnight supplies through the wilderness, since the beginning of time. Yet somewhere, someone decided that “ladies” should not be partaking in such physical, risky activities. Still, there have always been women who continued to backpack - we found ways of adjusting the equipment to better fit our physique, and methods to accommodate our uniquely female requirements. In her new book, Marlis documents some of the unique adaptations and procedures that allow women to backpack comfortably: What backpack features to look for, how to carry a backpack, what type of boots to select, clothing requirements, and how to manage your menstrual period. With fun anecdotes and examples, Marlis shares what she’s learned through trial and error in the Canadian wilderness, so that “ladies” too, can enjoy backpacking. Available in 2026. Visit Marlis' website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Weber is a full-time travel blogger and content creator who brings the spirit of travel into everyday life. With a background in marketing and a passion for storytelling, Julia creates compelling photo and video content that resonates with an engaged audience seeking both local discoveries and international adventures. Julia’s mission is to inspire others to live every day with the spirit of a traveller— whether they’re dining at an international restaurant in their own city or hiking to a hidden lookout on the other side of the world. She believes every destination has something special to offer, and she’s made it her goal to uncover and share those gems through in-depth guides, immersive Reels, and engaging TikToks. Since starting her blog, Little Miss Ottawa, to showcase her hometown and Canadian travel, Julia has grown a loyal community of curious adventurers and everyday explorers. She loves exploring near and far and has been to 40 countries. She's proud to call Ottawa, Ontario home and keeps herself busy being a tourist in her own city and province.  Her storytelling is rooted in authenticity — always camera in hand, Julia captures beautiful views, unique stays, local flavours, and one-of-a-kind experiences. She knows how to showcase a destination in a way that feels exciting yet attainable, leaving her audience feeling inspired and ready to plan their own trip. She’s enjoyed working with Canadian tourism brands from 1000 Islands to Nova Scotia and International brands like Tourism Peru and Visit Europe.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, it’s Mary Anne Ivison—and right now, I’m doing exactly what I hope you’re doing… playing outside. Let’s Take This Outside is taking a short summer break, but don’t worry—we’ll be back this September with brand new episodes and inspiring conversations. Coming up: guests like Dan Rubenstein, Marlis Butcher, Melissa Hafting, and Julia Weber, as we explore the powerful ways the outdoors connects us—through nature, conservation, and adventure. So get out there, enjoy every minute of summer, and we’ll meet you back here in September! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanda Hill is one of the most accomplished ultra endurance athletes on the planet and a proud Canadian from Vernon, British Columbia. She is the only person in the world to have completed three Double Deca Triathlons. Each one includes a 76 kilometre swim, a 3600 kilometre bike ride, and an 844 kilometre run. That is the same as doing 20 full Iron-distance triathlons back to back. In 2024, Shanda made history by becoming the first woman ever to complete a Triple Deca Triathlon in the continuous format. This extreme event includes a 114 kilometre swim, a 5400 kilometre bike ride, and a 1266 kilometre run. That is equal to 30 full Iron-distance triathlons completed one after the other with no stage breaks. As of today, Shanda has completed 145 full Iron-distance triathlons across just 12 ultra events, all officially sanctioned by the International Ultra Triathlon Association. She holds the women's world record for the most IUTA iron-distance finishes and has been inducted into the IUTA Hall of Fame 100. In 2025, Shanda is taking on her most ambitious goal yet. She is aiming to complete 51 Iron-distance triathlons in a single year with the goal of breaking the current men’s world record. Her races will take her across South Africa, Brazil, France, Poland, Germany, Estonia, and Austria. Known for her unmatched grit, deep connection to nature, and relentless mental toughness, Shanda continues to inspire people around the world. Whether she is racing, training, or speaking to communities, she lives by the belief that you are always capable of more than you think. Learn more about Shanda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flow explores diverse women’s narratives in adventure sports in this anthology that challenges stereotypes while promoting unity. It advocates for a transcultural feminism, one offering hope and empowerment to break barriers and live fully. Flow takes readers on an inspiring journey through the world of women in adventure sports, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength, resilience, and unity of women across the globe. This unique collection highlights the powerful, diverse voices of women who are redefining what’s possible in outdoor sports like whitewater kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, and highlining. With photography and stories from around the world, Flow captures the personal narratives of women from a wide range of countries, including Ecuador, India, México, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United States, and Canada. These women share their unique experiences, whether as newcomers or seasoned professionals, offering insights into their journeys and the challenges they face. Edited by Denisa Krásná and Alena Rainsberry, Flow examines the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexual identity within the context of extreme sports, offering a fresh perspective on the barriers these women have overcome. More than just a collection of stories, this book is a celebration of the diverse paths these women have taken, and the common drive that unites them in their pursuit of adventure. Flow is not just about extreme sports; it’s about the women who are shaping them. It’s about empowerment, breaking down barriers, and embracing a more inclusive vision of outdoor adventure. Denisa Krásná is a Czech highliner and climber with ambitions as lofty as her lines in the sky. She aims to walk long, high lines in beautiful airscapes all over the world, combining her passion for highlining and alpinism, and simply appreciating the beauty of mountains. When she’s not on the line, Denisa is a dedicated scholar in the fields of Indigenous studies, critical animal and vegan studies, environmental humanities, and ecofeminism. She comes from Přerov, Czechia. Alena Rainsberry is a queer American kayaker who wants to explore rivers all around the world. Since being introduced to whitewater kayaking in 2021, she has navigated rapids from the Ecuadorian jungle to the Indian Himalayas. She thrives in immersing herself in diverse cultural environments and has a knack for making friends and community wherever she travels. She is a passionate advocate for increasing representation, getting women into the outdoors, and encouraging people to experience new things. She is from the Pacific Northwest, where she currently lives and kayaks. Purchase your copy of Flow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The winner of numerous writing honours, including a National Magazine Award, Nicola Ross is  the author of 12 books, including the bestselling Loops & Lattes series of hiking guides. Having  sold over 50,000 copies of these self-published guidebooks, Nicola is a fulltime writer and professional hiker.  Her latest book, published by ECW Press in Toronto in 2024, is entitled 40 Days & 40 Hikes:  Loving the Bruce Trail One Loop at a Time. Part illustrated memoir, part hiking guide and part  good storytelling, it describes her journey along Ontario’s 900-kilometre Bruce Trail from  Queenston Heights on the Niagara Peninsula to Tobermory on the Bruce. 40 Days & 40 Hikes is  in its second printing. (See reviews.)  Ross’s other adventures include crossing Costa Rica from coast to coast via the Camino de Costa  Rica, crossing Spain via the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, crossing Mexico’s Zapateca  lands in the Sierra Norte, crossing parts of Austria, Slovenia and Italy along the Alpe Adria Trail and following Newfoundland’s east coast on the East Coast Trail, among others. She has canoed  the fabled Mountain and Keele Rivers in the Northwest Territories and kayaked through Haida  Gwaii, the Sea of Cortez and Georgian Bay. Moreover, she’s cycled through Cuba, Italy, France,  Canada and Mexico, and has ridden a horse across Patagonia.  Formerly a climate change consultant, Nicola is a biologist and columnist with In the Hills magazine. Her articles have been published in The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, Explore  magazine, Mountain Life, Avenue, Ontario Nature, Alternatives Journal, and more. She was a  regular environmental contributor to CBC Radio in Calgary, regularly appears on the CBC Radio  program Fresh Air and was the long-.me editor-in-chief of Alternatives Journal, Canada’s  national environmental magazine. She is a popular speaker at various events.  Nicola’s adventures and the books and articles she writes about them reflect her love for nature and passion to be on the trail, atop a bicycle, paddling a kayak or seated on a horse. Similarly,  her talks combine these passions taking them beyond the adventure to the importance of what  she learns and sees.  More recently, she chronicled her journey along Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail with a series of  annotated hand-drawn maps. It will be the first installment of her new e-zine, Hither & Yon, An  Illustrated Field Journal of Adventure Travel along Trails, Roads, Rivers and the High Seas. In  2025, she has set her sights on walking the 415-kilometre Andalusian Coast to Coast Trail and,  possibly, the 1000-kilometre Via de la Plata, both in Spain.  Among an emerging group of female adventure travel writers, Nicola is bringing the 2025 Women’s Adventure Film Tour to Southern Ontario. The event, to be held in her home village, involves a showing of half a dozen films. She hopes to add a series of panel discussions and  interviews with female adventurers in future events.  Nicola resides with her partner in a small stone mill (circa 1857) in Alton, Ontario and writes a  popular blog at nicolaross.ca. More on the Women's Adventure Film Tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Watson was born and bred in Scotland is the creative force behind the Adventure Diaries, a podcast that delivers authentic stories of adventure, exploration, and the natural world. Chris spends much of his time outdoors, hiking and paddling in the Scottish highlands and has a passion for the natural world, wild places, and adventures. Chris brings a unique blend of curiosity and storytelling to every conversation, including a unique format that encourages adventure in everyday life. Through his Call To Adventure & Pay It forward segments listeners will discover new perspectives and adventures from every guest – making adventure, exploration and the natural world wholly accessible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emma Terrell, also known as The Urban Botanist, is a passionate advocate for sustainable living and eco-conscious design. After completing a Biology degree at Carleton University in Ottawa, she started her business in 2017 that was created with the intention to connect her community with the natural world around them. With a deep rooted love for nature and over a decade of experience in creating vibrant, green spaces, Emma specializes in blending interior design with sustainable practices and crafting landscapes that honor and restore the environment. Her unique approach combines innovation and conservation, showcasing how thoughtful design can transform homes and gardens into harmonious ecosystems. From lush moss walls to DIY terrariums, and even rewilding landscapes, Emma inspires others to embrace sustainability in both style and function, making her a sought-after expert in the green design world. Watch The Urban Botanist on Youtube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gloria Dickie is an award-winning journalist and author of Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future (W.W. Norton, 2023). She is currently a global climate and environment correspondent at Reuters News Agency. With over a decade of experience reporting on environmental issues, she has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, Wired magazine, and Scientific American magazine, among others. In 2018, she was named a National Geographic Explorer. Eight Bears, was chosen as a best book of 2023 by The New Yorker, The Economist, and Scientific American, shortlisted for the 2023 Banff Centre Mountain Book Awards, and received second place for the 2024 Rachel Carson Environment Book Award. Originally from Canada, she is currently based in London, England. Learn more about Gloria. Eight Bears is now available in paperback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Sinopoli is a former CFL Wide Receiver and now the owner of Sinopoli Fishing. Brad played for both the Calgary Stampeders and the Ottawa Redblacks, and was twice named the CFL’s most Outstanding Canadian and has won two Grey Cups. Brad’s passion for the outdoors has seamlessly carried over into his post-football life, as he has become a successful fishing charter operator. Based in Ottawa, Sinopoli combines his love of nature with his entrepreneurial spirit, offering guided fishing experiences through his company, Sinopoli Fishing.  Also in this episode is fellow podcaster and broadcaster, Brent Wallace from Comin’ In Hot, who has worked alongside Brad and will handle all the football related questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Wolf is a Canadian adventurer, writer, filmmaker, and environmentalist. He is known for books, feature magazine articles, online columns, and films that document wilderness expeditions around the world, with a focus on the Canadian North. His expeditions include being the first to canoe across Canada in one season, rowing the Northwest Passage, and circumnavigating both Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island by kayak. In 2020 he was named One of Canada's 'Greatest 90 Explorers of All Time' by Canadian Geographic. He is a regular feature writer and columnist for Explore Magazine and has written two books on his adventures: Two Springs, One Summer (2024) and Lines on a Map (2018), both published by RMB. Follow Frank on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sasha is a Krono Nutrition Athlete, and we’ve teamed up with Krono to giveaway 2 of their discovery boxes on Instagram, including bars, gels and electrolytes. Head to the Let’s Take This Outside Instagram for your chance to win, and also use the promo code outside20 to get 20% off at krononutrition.com until March 31. Dr. Sasha Gollish is a passionate advocate for gender equity in sport, a Team Canada middle- and long-distance runner, and a dedicated mentor to young athletes. With a career spanning elite athletic competition, coaching, engineering, and research, Sasha combines her expertise to inspire girls and women to excel in sport and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Use code Outside to get a $20 discount off any two day ride on the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour 2025 at https://ottawabicycleclub.ca/rlct/. ABOUT RIDEAU LAKES CYCLE TOUR: The Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour (RLCT) is a two-day cycle tour organised by the Ottawa Bicycle Club that takes its riders from Ottawa (or Perth) to Kingston and back. The first tour took place in 1972, and this year it will be its 51st edition on June 21-22,2025. On Saturday, the tour will take cyclists through the scenic countryside of the Rideau Valley passing many picturesque lakes and historic towns on the way to Kingston, where participants will spend the evening fueling and resting at Queens University before making the return trip home on Sunday. There are four routes to choose from with one-way lengths ranging from 118km to 220km. Registration is now open for 2025 and more information can be found here: https://ottawabicycleclub.ca/rlct/ ABOUT OBC: The Ottawa Bicycle Club (OBC) has been predominant in Ottawa's cycling scene for the past 50 years. The original OBC started in 1882 and ran until the late 1920s before It was re-established as a club in 1971. Over the years, the OBC has established a broad spectrum of programs and activities and is dedicated to providing high quality recreational and competitive cycling opportunities for cyclists of all ages. The OBC has something for everyone! Check out www.ottawabicycleclub.ca for more information on how to join the club and take part in club activities that interest you. ABOUT CRISTINA: Cristina Inglis is an outdoor enthusiast who has a passion for all forms of cycling - whether it be riding the tarmac, quiet gravel roads or on the mountain bike trails. She has been a member of the Ottawa Bicycle Club since 2010 and now plays an active role on its board as the communications director as well as on the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour organization committee. Cristina participated in the RLCT in 2022 and 2023, as both a rider and a volunteer route marshal. When she's not on her bike, Cristina works as an environmental scientist for the federal government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Judy Kasiama is an athlete, community activist, disruptor, and content creator, and founder of Colour the Trails. Through her work Judy highlights her experience as a black woman that skis, rides mountain bikes, hikes, camps, climbs, and explores. Colour the Trails focuses on improving access to outdoor activities for BIPoC (including those who lay within the intersection of BIPoC and 2SLGBTQAI+ community) adventurers. About Colour the Trails Colour the Trails is a national Black woman owned business, focused on improving access to outdoor activities for BIPoC (including those who lay within the intersection of BIPoC and 2SLGBTQAI+ community)  adventurers. We pride ourselves on not only hosting events that break barriers for BIPoC to enter outdoor sports, but also for creating media that showcases BIPoC stories in the outdoors – because representation matters. Through our programming and initiatives, we aim to build awareness, dismantle barriers and create accessible opportunities for participation in outdoor recreation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trixie Pacis is an emerging Filipina-Canadian filmmaker based in Kimberley, British Columbia. Her work revolves around documenting unheard personal and environmental stories, including her latest documentaries Wildflowers and Wild Aerial. Building on script development experience at Drive Films, she now works as the Director of Acquisitions and Original Programming at ChimeTV, America’s only Asian American and Pacific Islander cable channel delivered in English. Trixie’s writing and photography have appeared on Mapped, Inside Himalayas and Travel Alberta. You’ll find her climbing, hiking, surfing, or skiing with a camera in hand. Natalie Gillis's Portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About Gatineau Park: Gatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s conservation park. The largest green space in the region, the Park occupies an area of more than 361 square kilometres and is a place of rich and unique biodiversity. It is the second-most visited park in Canada, and a destination for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in recreational activities that respect the environment. Gatineau Park’s vast territory is divided into several sectors, one of which is accessible from downtown Ottawa–Gatineau, and each of which feature various points of interest and historical places. Unlike other national parks, this park has several entry points, and some roads through it, leading to the northern and western sectors. About Rachel Paquette: Rachel Paquette is an environmental educator with a rich academic background and over 15 years of experience as a Program Officer in nature interpretation with the National Capital Commission. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in ecology, and a master’s diploma in Environmental Education, which reflects her dedication to bridging the gap between people and the environment. She is a certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, enabling her to communicate effectively across diverse audiences and cultures. Fueling her work is an unwavering passion for engaging, educating, and connecting people to the value of the natural environment and the importance of biodiversity conservation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our "Best of 2024" episode! This year has been a journey full of incredible stories, insights, and inspiration from some truly remarkable guests. In this episode, we’re celebrating highlights from six of our most impactful conversations. You'll hear... 1) Dianne Whelan share her profound reflections from her 500 Days in the Wild project, and connecting to nature. 2) James Appleton is the host of The 46 of 46 Podcast. James talks about the Adirondacks being a welcoming place for Canadians. 3) Kevin Callan is the author of the best-selling The Happy Camper and his incredibly popular series of paddling guides. Kevin talks about the joys of portaging in our beautiful country. 4) Outdoor, travel and adventure writer Meghan Ward shares her experience with her children in the wilderness, and wanted to pass those lessons on. 5) Paul Zizka is an award-winning mountain landscape and adventure photographer. I asked Paul about the reality of being a full time wildlife photographer and parent. 6) Finally, I talked to fellow creator Sarah Christie - Sarah created the eco-conscious interview series, Earth Care. Sarah talks about the tumultuous fight against Premier Doug Ford - Hands off the Greenbelt. Let’s dive back into the best moments of 2024—each clip a reminder of why we love exploring, adventuring, and connecting with the wild world around us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taryn Eyton is a Squamish-based writer and the founder of the outdoor adventure website, HappiestOutdoors.ca. She is also the author of two hiking guidebooks: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia: The Essential Guide to Overnight Hiking Trails (Greystone Books, 2021) and Backpacking on Vancouver Island: The Essential Guide to the Best Multi-Day Trips and Day Hikes (Greystone Books, 2024). Taryn is a Leave No Trace Master Educator, the President of the Friends of Garibaldi Park Society, a member of the Board of Directors of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, and a Fellow of the Canadian Geographic Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A life-long explorer, Dr. Cassandra Marion’s passions are for the outdoors, rocks and space. She completed PhD in Geology and Planetary Science and Exploration at the Earth and Planetary Institute, at Western University. Her studies focused on meteorite impact craters, and lunar and Martian analogue environments in the Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic. After 13 northern expeditions, she has developed considerable expertise leading and managing field expeditions and had the privilege of assisting in the expedition and geology training of 3 astronauts. Cassandra has also participated and led a series of simulated robotic and human missions designed to learn, train and prepare for real missions to the Moon and Mars. She has more than a decade of experience in education and public outreach, developing and delivering science programming. In her current role as Science Advisor for the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, she acts as a science communicator dedicated to sharing her passion and knowledge of Earth and planetary science with communities near and far. Canada Aviation and Space Museum Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Appleton is the host of 46 of 46 Podcast and lives in the heart of the Adirondack Park in Lake Placid, New York. He is a New York State Licensed Guide for hiking and camping, and is passionate about the Adirondacks and the surrounding mountains. When he's not on the trails, James can be found swinging a microphone in the film/television industry, hitting the squat rack, or home with his wife and three girls.  About 46 of 46 Podcast The 46 of 46 Podcast is an outdoors storytelling podcast based in the largest protected wilderness area in the continental United States. This 6-million acre "forever wild" forest preserve is known as the Adirondack Park, situated in northern New York. The podcast chronicles James Appleton's days on the trails in the Adirondacks (and beyond) in a unique trip-report style format that is equal parts entertainment, trail information, and stories.  https://46of46.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices